ATL vs MIN Dream11: The WNBA is in its initial stages but we have seen incredible battles so far. However, for some teams, the season’s start has been rather tumultuous and they are yet to find their feet. Meanwhile, there are squads that have figured it out already and have shown that they are much improved. One of these teams is Atlanta Dream that will take on the Indiana Fever.
The Atlanta Dream has won six of their ten games, and their production has been so far much better than last season. In the last game, they lost to the Sky 65:73 despite a strong 19 points performance by Cheyenne Parker. On the other hand, Indiana Fever has lost nine of their twelve games, losing the last game 74:87 despite Kelsey Mitchell scoring 17 points. Can the Fever improve their record?
Host: Atlanta Dream
Visitors: Indiana Fever
Match Timing: 6 June, @ 12:30 AM (+05:30 UTC)
Venue: The Gateway Center
Dream has dominated Fever this season
Dream and Fever have met in two games so far, with Fever losing two games so far. The Fever lost the first game 79:85 whereas the second game was won by Atlanta Dream 101:79, it means that the team has been beaten comprehensively so far. The Dream saw Rhyne Howard click for big nights in both games and the Fever’s offense was completely exposed in those two matches.
The Dream play at the third-fastest pace(80.1) but their offense is in 11th place points per game-wise. It means that they are rushing their shots and slowing it a bit may help the cause more. In another fascinating case, the Fever plays at the second-fastest pace (80.9) but it is the defensive end that has been a major concern as the team allows the most points(89.2), compare that the Dream that allows the second-least points(73.2). It means that in the battle of two young teams, Fever has been lagging behind so far.
Highest scorer: Kelsey Mitchell: 26
Highest rebounder: NaLyssa Smith: 8
Top assists maker: Erica Wheeler: 7
Score Prediction: Dream 83 Lynx 72
Indiana Fever Team News
Fever Expected Starting Five
Two-Way Forward: PF: NaLyssa Smith
Inside Presence: C: Queen Egbo
Slashing Guard: SG: Victoria Vivians
Driving Veteran Guard: SG: Danielle Robinson
Primary Ball-Handler: SG: Kelsey Mitchell
BENCH: Alanna Smith, Emily Engstler, Destanni Henderson, Lexie Hull, Alaina Coates, Tiffany Mitchell.
Atlanta Dream Team News:
Dream Expected Starting Five
High-Post Forward: F: Cheyenne Parker
Physical Forward: F: Nia Coffey
Crafty Dribbler: G: Erica Wheeler
Off-the-ball Shooter: SG: Kristy Wallace
Sharpshooting Two-Way Guard: SG: Rhyne Howard
BENCH: Beatrice Mompremier, Megan Walker, Naz Hillmon, Kia Vaughn, Aari McDonald.
Kelsey Mitchell(MIN)
Points: 17
Rebounds: 00
Assists: 04
Steals: 01
Guard Mitchell has been an incredible scorer once again and the Fever relies heavily upon her to generate offensive production. I believe she will be in 16-22 points and 3-5 assists range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 23-33
Rhyne Howard(ATL)
Points: 05
Rebounds: 04
Assists: 00
Blocks: 01
Guard Rhyne made just two of her 12 shots in the last game but she has been an incredible scorer and defender for most parts. I believe she will bounce back here and be in 15-21 points, 4-7 rebounds, and 1-2 blocks/steals range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 18-30
NaLyssa Smith(MIN)
Points: 04
Rebounds: 06
Assists: 04
Steals: 01
NaLyssa was in an incredible rhythm before her injury but she has a lot of potential as a scorer, rebounder, and defender. I believe she will be in 11-16 points, 7-11 rebounds, and 1-2 steals/blocks range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 19-29
Cheyenne Parker(ATL)
Points: 19
Rebounds: 06
Assists: 01
Steals: 02
Cheyenne made eight of her 12 shots and she has done an incredible job as a rebounder, defender and can pick it up offensively too. I expect a 10-16 points, 5-9 rebounds, and 1-3 steals range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 19-30
Victoria Vivians(MIN)
Points: 14
Rebounds: 05
Assists: 04
Guard Vivians is having her best season yet and her production has been in an incredible rhythm. I believe she will be in 17-24 points, 5-8 rebounds, and 3-5 assists range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 27-37
Kristy Wallace(ATL)
Points: 05
Rebounds: 03
Assists: 04
Guard Kristy shot just 2/9 in the last game but her overall impact has been incredible for most parts. I believe she will be in 10-15 points, 4-7 rebounds, and 1-2 steals range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 14-25
(Recommended)
PG: E Wheeler, K Mitchell(SP), D Robinson
SG: K Anne-Wallace R Howard(PP)
SF: V Vivians
PF: M Billings
C: Q Egbo
(Alternate)
PG: C Parker(PP), K Mitchell(SP), D Robinson
SG: A McDonald, K Anne-Wallace
SF: V Vivians
PF: N Smith
C: Q Egbo
Can rookie Rhyne Howard and the Dream make it three wins in a row versus the Fever? You can watch this brilliant battle on the WNBA League Pass where you have all the live games and also the full-game replays. It is also available on the official Facebook page of Indiana Fever. To learn the scores, news, and stats, go to the official website of the WNBA.